Classic and modern a popular mix for carol crowd (+pics&video)

Traditional Christmas carols were interspersed with modern favourites as hundreds celebrated the festive season in Kuirau Park last night.

The annual Carols by Candlelight event was a big hit, with locals and visitors enjoying the warm weather.

The celebration of Christmas was opened at 7pm by The Hits 97.5FM local host Paul Hickey, who was the MC for the night along with director, Rotorua singer and choir conductor Evelyn Falconer.

The Geyserland (Rotorua) Lions club put the event on with the help of fellow Lions clubs from Hamilton and Matamata.

Geyserland Lions president Kevin Lum said the event was wonderful every year and because of that the club had to keep hosting it.

"I like the old traditional Christmas carols, I think those are the ones that the families come for."

Image 1 of 6: Carols by Candlelight in Kuirau Park. Photo/Stephen Parker

Mr Lum said it wouldn't have been possible without the help of event organiser David Elliot who was kept busy making sure everything went to plan.

Sue McCowan, Tamahere Lions club president from Hamilton, said her club had been called in as reinforcements.

"The Rotorua Lions club needed help so we thought we would come and give them a hand. We have been looking forward to it, particularly after the weather that we have had, it's great to see this."

She said she was most looking forward to hearing Silent Night.

Among the crowd was Graham Robertson, new to Rotorua.

"I love them all [carols], I can't pick a favourite," Mr Robertson said.

The Geyserland Lions have been organising the night for 22 years and usually raise up to $1500 for a local charity.

This year's charity was the Rotorua Hospital Chaplaincy.

The Rotorua Symphonic Band, choirs from the Rotorua Methodist Church and Kawaha Point Primary School, The Rotorua Music School's ukulele band, and children's entertainment provided by the Go Bananas song and dance group all featured.

Admission to the event was free thanks to the ongoing support of Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust and Andy's Marquee and Party Hire, the Rotorua Daily Post and The Hits 97.5FM.